Nikon launches 16MP DX-format Coolpix A and P330 enthusiast compacts

Nikon has unveiled its first DX-format compact, the Coolpix A, alongside the enthusiast-focused Coolpix P330. The Coolpix A fits a 16MP APS-C CMOS sensor with no optical low-pass filter behind a 28mm equivalent, F2.8 prime lens. The Coolpix P330, meanwhile, gains a 1/1.7″ sensor and Raw-shooting capability, over its predecessor. The Coolpix A will cost around $1100/£1000/€1100, while the P330 will retail for around $380/£350/€380.

We’ve had the opportunity to use both the Coolpix P330 and the Coolpix A, and have prepared hands-on previews, based on those experiences.

World Renowned Optics and a Host of Innovative Technologies, Including the Use of a DX-Format Image Sensor, Provide Users with Premier Compacts for Shooting and Sharing

MELVILLE, N.Y. (March 4, 2013) – Today, Nikon Inc. announced two new advanced performance COOLPIX cameras, built for the customer seeking the best image quality possible with the convenience and ease-of-use of a compact camera. The Nikon COOLPIX A is the first COOLPIX to incorporate a DX-format sensor, similar to those found in many of Nikon’s coveted D-SLRs, which provides the highest image quality possible from a compact point-and-shoot. Additionally, the small yet powerful COOLPIX P330 fits comfortably into a shirt pocket, yet gives users the confidence to capture beautiful imagery through amazing optics, low-light capabilities and creative control.

“The introduction of the COOLPIX A, as Nikon’s flagship COOLPIX camera, provides uncompromised image quality and incredibly sharp detail in a compact point-and-shoot camera. As the first COOLPIX to use a DX-format sensor, the COOLPIX A will exceed expectations for its unsurpassed performance,” said Bo Kajiwara, Vice President of Marketing, Planning and Customer Experience, Nikon Inc. “The COOLPIX A, along with the COOLPIX P330, demonstrates the forward-looking direction of the Advanced Performance COOLPIX line, and packs all of the benefits of Nikon’s optical heritage and imaging experience into a compact, yet powerful package.”

Advanced Performance COOLPIX Cameras with Wi-Fi® ConnectivityFor those who never settle for second best, this new duo presents the optimal choice to consistently capture high-quality images and HD video with outstanding clarity and detail. Thanks to their exceptional CMOS imaging sensors and world-class NIKKOR lenses, these cameras deliver brilliant photos amidst the action, even in low-light conditions. With compact designs and advanced feature sets that allow users to easily grow and improve their image or video shooting skills, these new COOLPIX cameras provide creative control and connectivity options for the photographer in everyone. These new cameras also join the ultra-zoom COOLPIX P520 and performance powerhouse COOLPIX P7700 in Nikon’s series of COOLPIX Advanced Performance cameras.

Once a still or video has been captured, both cameras let users share images instantly with family and friends when connected using the optional WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter*1. This accessory pairs with the free downloadable Wireless Mobile Utility application1, which enables users to transfer their images and videos to compatible smart devices and tablets for easy sharing and viewing with others.

The COOLPIX A: Nikon’s First DX-Format COOLPIX Camera Unlike any other COOLPIX camera, the new COOLPIX A is equipped with a DX-format CMOS sensor that enables users to achieve superior image quality previously only possible with a Nikon D-SLR. The combination of this 16.2-megapixel DX-format sensor and ultra-sharp prime NIKKOR lens firmly positions the COOLPIX A as the reigning flagship camera in the COOLPIX line.

The all-glass 18.5mm (28mm equivalent) prime lens has an f/2.8 aperture, allowing users to shoot with a shallow depth of field to blur backgrounds for professional-looking photos. Even when the sun goes down, the lens offers the ability to turn a fleeting glance into a flattering moonlit portrait with just a press of the shutter. Always ready for the spontaneous moment, the camera’s quick AF performance and 4 frames-per-second (fps) burst help users to consistently capture any moment with outstanding image quality.

For those who want to push their photography skills, the versatile COOLPIX A also offers advanced settings to allow shooters to have complete creative control to master nearly any shooting situation. With multiple Scene Modes, a familiar manual focus ring, full manual exposure controls (P,S,A,M), and the ability to shoot RAW/NEF image files, even a simple snapshot can be transformed into artistic expression.

Additionally, the COOLPIX A offers a variety of accessories to enhance the shooting experience, including the DF-CP1 Optical Viewfinder, the UR-E24 Adapter Ring for attaching lens hoods and filters, and the HN-CP18 metal Lens Hood, which helps protect the surface of the lens and restricts light from passing through without negatively influencing images. The camera also has a full size hot shoe port that makes the camera compatible with various accessories such as Nikon Speedlights.

The COOLPIX P330: Big Performance from a Tiny Camera

The COOLPIX P330 offers a useful 5x wide angle to telephoto (24mm-120mm, 35mm equivalent) zoom and cutting-edge features in a sleek, portable design for exceptional images and HD video. The P330 has a 1/1.7-inch, 12.2-megapixel backside illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor that offers users the ability to confidently capture vibrant photos with low noise. Additionally, the super-sharp f/1.8 lens is the fastest in the COOLPIX line, rendering photos and Full HD 1080p video with striking clarity in a variety of lighting conditions. The lens also includes Vibration Reduction image stabilization to further reduce the effects of image blur when shooting handheld. Designed for the user who wants a sophisticated camera with the option of an advanced feature set, the COOLPIX P330 includes manual controls (P,S,A,M) and can now capture NRW/RAW images.

The P330 also enables users to enhance their photography with the inclusion of various Scene Modes, as well as Nikon’s Easy Auto Mode for capturing beautiful imagery during scenic vacations, celebrations or everyday moments, all with the convenience of a small, portable size. Additionally, the camera incorporates Full HD Video with stereo sound, engaged with just a simple press of the dedicated video record button.

This high-performance camera also comes with built-in GPS capabilities so photographers can easily log even their most exotic travels by pinpointing the exact latitude and longitude where the image was captured.

Pricing and Availability

The COOLPIX A will be available in March 2013 for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $1099.95*2 and will be offered in Black and Silver. The DF-CP1 Optical Viewfinder will be available for a suggested retail price of $449.96*2, and the UR-E24 Adapter Ring and HN-CP18 Lens Hood will be sold together for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $129.96*2; accessories will be available in March 2013. The COOLPIX P330 will also be available in March 2013 for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $379.95*2 and will be offered in Black and White.

In order to give consumers a more effective way to understand the benefits of each COOLPIX camera and to help users determine the best camera to fit their lifestyle, Nikon has segmented the COOLPIX series into five categories: Advanced Performance, Fun & Innovative, Ultra-Slim Zoom, Comfort Long Zoom and Budget Friendly. For more information about these and other COOLPIX cameras, please visit www.nikonusa.com

*1WI-FI SPECIFICATIONS AND COMPATIBILITY This camera’s Wi-Fi® capability using the WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter can only be used with a compatible iPhone®, iPad®, and/or iPod touch® or smart devices running on the Android™ operating system. The Wireless Mobile Utility application must be installed on the device before it can be used with this camera. For compatibility and to download the application, please visit: For iPhone®/iPad®/iPod Touch® <https://itunes.apple.com/en/app/wireless-mobile-adapter-utility/id554157010> For AndroidTM Google PlayTM <https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nikon.wu.wmau> Apple, the Apple logo, iPhone, iPad and iPod touch are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Android and Google Play are trademarks of Google Inc. Wi-Fi® and the Wi-Fi CERTIFIED logo are registered trademarks of the Wi-Fi Alliance. All Nikon trademarks are trademarks of Nikon Corporation.

*2 SRP (Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.

Nikon Coolpix P330 specifications

Nikon Coolpix P330 additional images

Comments

Why cant some one release one of these with a 32-35mm(50mm) F1.8/2 lens. I just want one with a 50mm equiv!!!!!!!!!!

$450 for the optical viewfinder? Wow.

For the cost of the body and viewfinder I could have the X-E1 and a nice lens

I am willing to bet that this lens formulation (18.5mm f2.8) for DX format makes an appearance as the long awaited DX wide angle prime lens for their DX SLR line.

I bet not. A 18.5mm f2.8 prime in DX format sounds very nice to a semi-pro/pro, but not to a normal consumer, who determines what product will be on the market.

You would have to be brain dead to buy this over the Fuji X100S or even the older X100! :O

Or a Nikon fanboy

It is ugly as home made sin, but I like it. Let’s hope it delivers.

$1,100 for the Nikon A? I was liking a lot about the specs till I read that part…. um whoa. Guess Nikon is going for those who like the RX1 but not the price, but still… The Ricoh GRD IV is 28mm fixed, with really good image quality for less than half that price.

Add to that the view finder, adapter ring & hood, and you can almost buy two d7000 bodies! I suppose this flood of new devices packaged in every conceivable format & size help sell more sensors, which in turn aid in lowering productions costs. I hope they sell many, but I won’t be one of the buyers!

What? Canon did something before anyone else did and now others are playing catch up? This even flies in the face of so many people who talk about Nikon being the standard by which their version of “innovation” should be judged. Wait, is the fast lens or decent macro focus going to be the differentiator? Nevermind that it’s a fixed focal length lens and costs a lot more than the G1 X did even at launch.In all fairness it’s another entry into a great segment of cameras that I think a lot of people have been waiting a long time to really take off. I don’t think the Nikon 1 or Sony RX100 or RX1, or even the G15 and similar cameras, ever hit the mark for me. I can see why some people wanted the RX100 and as a G1 X owner I obviously see its usefulness, but I’m not a fixed-lens shooter and no zoom with a big sensor for that price doesn’t seem like it’s shooting for the upper end of the mainstream….seems like another boutique camera.

I hope people notice the popup flash on the A is almost identical to the G1 X and complain about it just as much.

Hopefully this means that Nikon can finally kill off the ignorant ‘1’ lineup of cameras.

I can’t see the 1 system’s target market of people upgrading from compacts rushing out to buy >$1000 cameras with fixed 28mm equiv primes.

Exactly Richard

Sorry, I should have been clearer. I was referring to the good sign that Nikon is squeezing in a DX sensor into smaller cameras. You are totally right about there being different market segments. I just can’t help but feel that the ‘1’ series is a mistake like the good old Pronea line.

So.. the viewfinder accessory is more than the 50mm f1.4g lens?????

no for me.. I just wish it was a yes..

already outshines the V2

why the fn button is placed on the front surface?40mm thickness, better than x100, not as thin as rx100…the war on large-sensor compact rises…

Started out doing photography at the age of 6 using an uncle's old 1940 kodak brownie box camera. At 15 years of age, I decided to buy my very own 1975 Praktica SLR camera. I now shoot with Nikon DSLR equipment. I do unpaid TFP and paid work.